Horse Riding in Reykjadalur Valley | Hot Springs Day Tour

Step right up to meet the famously friendly Icelandic horse, take a ride through a geothermal valley and relax away your troubles in a naturally hot river near the town of Reykjadalur.

Icelandic horses are descended from those brought to Iceland by the very first settlers, and so they are a fiercely protected not often seen outside of Iceland. They are also renowned for their easy gait and ability to cover large distances while keeping their rider in comfort – a handy thing in pre-modern Iceland, when the horse was the main method of transportation. You'll spend about 6 hours riding today, covering about 19 km (almost 12 miles)!

You’ll start out a short distance in the countryside with a ride through the mountainous Hengill area. This volcano is still active, causing heated water to bubble up in a variety of fumaroles and hot springs here. In fact, Hengill provides much of the hydrothermal energy for the southern part of the country. A series of picturesque trails will take us into the rocky valley of Reykjudalur, where you will cross another steamy geothermal area.

The horses will rest as you relax in one of the warm rivers here, surrounded by waving green grasses and foreboding mountains in the distance. Don’t forget your bathing suit and towel!

Please note that there are no changing rooms in the valley near the river and no toilet facilities.

After you’ve dried off, you’ll mount up again for a ride past Hveragerði village and the surrounding farmland all the way to the land’s end. On a clear day, you might be able to view the Westman Islands off the coast.

Your ride will continue through the colorful geothermal Guðudalur valley, an area which expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008. The path then takes you through a green forest, along the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain and back to the farm, where you’ll enjoy some coffee and homemade cake.

Take advantage of two of the most favorite activities in Iceland: riding through the countryside and relaxing in a hot spring! Check availability by choosing a date.

• Available: May. - Sep.
• Duration: 9 hours
• Activities: Horse Riding, Hot Spring Bathing
• Difficulty: Easy
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• Languages: English
• Highlights:

  Reykjadalur ('Steam Valley') is a highly scenic valley innermost of Hveragerdi town. As the name of the valley implies, this is a geothermal area.

  Press this for the hot spring hike to Reykjadalur. 

  The hot water stream gushing down the mountain range is ideal for relaxing and the valley offers a rich variety of hot pools and geothermal springs. It is also possible to have a dip in the river.

  It's a great hiking route and to get there drive to Hveragerði, in South Iceland. You will reach its starting point just 40 minutes from Reykjavík.

  When you reach Hveragerði, drive straight through the town to reach a gravel road that leads to Reykjadalur.

  The people of Hveragerði are also known for being exceptionally polite, so you can ask for anything you need while there.

  When you reach the end of the gravel road you will hike for about 50-70 minutes to reach the first spots warm enough for dipping in. The further up you go the warmer it becomes. If you don't have a car you can join this hot spring tour. You can also combine it with a horse riding tour.

  Reykjadalur

• Pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík

• Helmet

• Rain gear (if needed)

• Horseback riding (5-6 hours)

• Lunch (Sandwich, cookies, water bottle)

• Towel

• Bathing Suit

• Warm clothing and outerwear appropriate for chilly or rainy weather